A Memoir

THE BRIGHT SIDEOF A BROKEN HEART

A book for anyone who has loved & lost, fallen into the dark hole of depression, grieved deeply, or is ready to heal.

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Music by Chris Zabriskie, Video by Matt D'Avella

The Journey to Reclaiming the Lost Parts of Myself

It took a devastating heartbreak for me to face the fact the truth I had been hiding from. Through the agonizing pain of grief, I reclaimed the parts of myself I had lost in my desperate desire to be loved. The Bright Side of a Broken Heart is my journey through heartbreak and the wisdom I've gathered along the way.

praise

"Most of us would prefer to gloss over the painful parts of life. It’s easier to push pain down and bury it than to face it, let it tear you apart, and rebuild yourself from the pieces. But that process leads to true healing, as Michelle shows in her book. She takes us into the aftermath of a breakup with the man she loved, spiraling into a darkness that threatens to eradicate her. At the bottom she discovers who she truly is and rises up from a foundation of love and self-acceptance. It’s not pretty, but it’s beautiful in its honesty and openness. This book can offer solace to anyone going through anguish and despair, but it’s not only for them. It’s for everyone who wishes to know the depths and heights of the human heart."—Ryan

"This isn't a book that you start, finish, and put away on the shelf. It almost feels like a reference volume, or a book of inspirational poetry to keep on your coffee table so you can flip through the pages on those days when you need a little extra guidance or assurance that everything is going to be OK (AKA, all the days). It's easy to read–simple and straightforward, but each sentence packs a complex punch. Example: "Sometime, too early in life, I decided that I wanted to be loved more than I wanted to be me." DAMN. Even if you aren't currently experiencing a "broken heart," you need this book in your life." —Jessica DeFino

"A wonderful book that is written by someone who has been through the hell of a breakup and come out the other side a stronger, wiser and more beautiful person. If you have ever experienced the absolute despair of a breakup (and who hasn't?), you should read this book. It is so worth it. As Michelle will tell you, there is a light and beauty at the end of the tunnel, you just have to look for it. She'll tell you how to get there."—Christie Mattull

"It feels like a reference volume, or a book of inspirational poetry to keep on your coffee table so you can flip through the pages on those days when you need a little extra guidance or assurance that everything is going to be OK."

"This book was amazing. It read like a book of poems and helped me realize some of the things that I've been pushing down because of pain in my past. It helped me see that I'm not the only one who feels these things and that I'm not alone. I highly recommend reading this book, it's one I'll be coming back to over and over again."—Kate George

"This book is a treasure. We've all been through some form of heartbreak one way or another. Michelle does an amazing job at telling her story with so much wisdom. The way it’s written and the layout, it pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re reading about a friend. Reaffirmed that whatever is happening, is happening for me. I can feel myself growing and slowly becoming stronger. Thank you so much, Michelle, for writing this!"—Tyra

"Michelle is a modern day Medicine Woman. This book is a powerful exploration of a the painful, but courageous process that she embraced during her healing from deep emotional trauma. The author pours out her heart in a sincere, loving and accessible little book. A gentle roadmap for recovery and transition from pain of loss. I highly recommend this book for everyone."—Ari

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Meet the Author

Michelle D’Avella is a writer, Breathwork teacher, and spiritual mentor. Her mission is to inspire people to take ownership of their lives through emotional and spiritual healing.

Through her 1:1 programs, group workshops, and self-led courses, Michelle teaches her students how to release pain, uncover truth, and create a new relationship to life.

She lives in Los Angeles and works with clients all over the world. Her writing has been published on The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, TinyBuddha, and Elephant Journal. Her work has been featured in W Magazine, Covetuer, MyDomaine and others.